Previews and Predictions: MLS Week 15

A combination of this week’s international fixtures and MLS sides’ entry into the US Open Cup next week means that this weekend sees just five league games.

However, with the top two and three of the bottom four franchises in action, we should be set for another dramatic MLS weekend.

Patrick Mullins scored NYC's winner last week

Here are our predictions for this weekend’s five matches.

New York City vs Montreal Impact – Yankee Stadium

Expansion side ended their 11-match winless streak last time out as they continued to show signs of coming to terms with the challenges of MLS.

However, Montreal Impact have four wins from their last five matches after securing their first away MLS victory in 25 games – a run dating back to September 2013 – last weekend.

But home advantage should be enough for New York to take a point from the first meeting of the two franchises, who are set to play three times in the next six weeks.

Verdict: 1-1

Columbus Crew vs LA Galaxy – MAPFRE Stadium

Crew’s 14 matches this season have seen a total of 41 goals making them one of the most exciting teams in the league – only Philadelphia have seen more goals in their fixtures.

Unfortunately most of the goals have been against them in recent weeks as the goals have dried up for top scorer Kei Kamara, leading to a five-game winless streak.

Even so 16 of Crew’s 20 goals this season have come at home and an out-of-sorts Galaxy side have failed to win any of their eight away games in 2015 – there should be only one winner.

Verdict: 2-1

New England Revolution vs Chicago Fire – Gillette Stadium

Revolution’s slump continued as a 2-0 loss at Portland Timbers extended their winless run to six last weekend – previously New England had won five out of six.

Meanwhile Fire are also in a poor run of form, losing their last two, and have struggled to produce consistent performances at any point in 2015.

Chicago centre-back Adailton became the first man in MLS history to score two own goals in one game against Orlando, and their leaky defence should see the Revolution take all three points.

Verdict: 2-0

Seattle's deadly duo could be back in action this weekend

Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas – CenturyLink Field

After failing to score twice in their last four games and seeing Vancouver Whitecaps close the gap in the Western Conference, Seattle will be glad to welcome Obafemi Martins back this weekend.

Meanwhile, Dallas have slipped to fifth in the Western Conference after going a fourth match without a win following their goalless draw at San Jose Earthquakes last Sunday.

Sounders have won the last four league meetings in Seattle, and though the two franchises played out a goalless draw when they met in late March, their home advantage should reap rewards again.

Verdict: 3-1

Orlando City vs D.C. United – Citrus Bowl

After extending their unbeaten run to four games Orlando moved to fourth in an extremely tight Eastern Conference and are benefitting from the form of rookie striker Cyle Larin.

DC have stuttered in recent weeks but still find themselves top of the overall standings after Seattle’s recent struggles but have already beaten Orlando home and away this year.

However, Orlando seem to have found their feet in MLS since their 4-0 win over LA Galaxy and we are backing them to avoid a third straight defeat to the league leaders.

Verdict: 1-1

Images courtesy of Elsa and Otto Greule Jr, with thanks.